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Thomas J. Kelly Jr., Ph.D.
Kelly Named Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
| LITTLE ROCK — Cancer researcher Thomas J. Kelly Jr., Ph.D., has been named associate director for cancer research training and education at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Kelly is an associate professor of pathology in the UAMS College of Medicine Department of Pathology and will become a full professor in July. He is director of the graduate program in pathobiology in the UAMS Graduate School, is as an advanced practice professional at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and serves as a liaison to primarily undergraduate institutions with the Arkansas Idea Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence.
“The education and training of our future researchers at all levels of their careers is an important component of all cancer centers and a critical element in the path to National Cancer Institute Designation,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor and Cancer Institute director. “Tom is the perfect person to lead the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute effort as we move forward.”
Kelly replaces Richard W. Nicholas, M.D., professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, who is stepping down after many years of service in this role.
In his new role, Kelly will build and coordinate the institute’s education and training programs for developing the next generation of cancer researchers. He also is developing the infrastructure of a robust cancer education and training program as UAMS works to achieve National Cancer Institute designation.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###